Mauritius: Northern Beaches

The northern beaches are centred around the popular Grand Baie area, the first part of Mauritius to be developed and the hub of Mauritius nightlife and shopping. There is a large port here and a more buzzy atmosphere. The best hotel in this region is the Royal Palm, the grand old dame of style and panache.

Grand Baie is the largest resort in Mauritius and has a lovely public beach with emerald green water. This former fishing village is now a vibrant centre with designer clothes shops, craft shops, restaurants and great nightclubs. It is also the jumping-off point for visits to the islands off the north coast such as Coin de Mire, Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel.

At Pamplemousses in the centre of the island are some excellent botanical gardens. Started in the early years of the French reign, this remarkable collection includes giant water lilies, hundred-year-old trees, and the tallipot palm that grows for 40 years, flowers, then dies.